Show on map During the summer water often flowed into a natural swallow hole on the bend of the river.
To prevent this a 75m bypass tunnel was built around 1760, but this is now blocked and dry.
The natural limestone can be seen in the base of the tunnel and water heard running below.
Show on map I went in search of something natural and found something very much man-made.
Manns Cave appears to be another garden feature, a recess in the face of a small quarry which has had a roof added. At some point it looks like their were also wooden beams.
Show on map The Devils Chimney is a garden feature dating from about 1740, it overlooks the seven bridges walk.
It is said to be a representation of the Mausoleum of the Horatii and Curiatii near Rome.
Show on map The fishing tabernacles were probably one of the earliest parts of the garden, with the cascade into the lake being started around 1716
The pavilions are said to have been used as a base for fishing trips.
Show on map The Temple of Piety was built around 1737 and was originally known as the Temple of Hercules
It overlooks the Moon Pond, below the Octogon Tower.
Estate owner and local MP John Aislabie was involved in the South Sea Bubble, was expelled from the Government and imprisoned in the Tower of London.
Show on map The Serpentine Tunnel was built in 1730 for John Aislabie, probably by Robert Doe.
It was designed to give guests a gentle fright on their way up to the Octogon Tower and High Ride.
Show on map The Octagon Tower was constructed in the mid 1730’s.It was originally intended to have a spiral staircase inside, but this was never built.
By 1976 it was a virtual ruin until it was restored by the local council.
Show on map The Temple of Fame is believed to date from around 1770, built for William Aislabie.
Although it looks like stone, the columns are actually wood and plaster, as a result of this unusual construction it has required frequent renovations in the 1970s, 1987 and 2007.
Show on map A details description of all there is to see at Fountains Abbey would take several days to write.
This Cistercian monastery founded in 1132 ran until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539.
It is a Grade 1 Listed building and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Several buildings around the abbey actually straddle the River Skell
Show on map Fountains Mill was originally constructed in the 12th century by the monks of Fountains Abbey.
At various points in its life it was also a Saw Mill, Dairy and housed wartime refugees.
The mill ground corn all the way until 1927, a Gilkes turbine was installed in 1928 to produce electricity, which still operates today.